Why GMB Water Pumps?
Not all water pumps are the same. Here’s what makes our water pumps stand out.
High-Strength Steel Bearing
GMB has manufactured bearings for over 75 years in the global market for both the OEM and aftermarket industries. GMB has studied all aspects of bearing manufacturing to design the highest-quality bearings with proper high-grade steel, precision bearing race machining and polishing, and proper grease selection. GMB uses roller bearings for all high-load applications.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
The bearing is the heart of the water pump and experiences the highest stress during operation. Low-grade materials, poor machining, and improper grease selection will all cause higher internal wear of the bearing components. This results in much lower life expectancy of the bearing, and thus the water pump. Roller bearings have higher load capacity and durability compared to ball bearings, which are necessary for proper operation with high-load applications.
Proprietary Formulated Mechanical Seal
GMB Mechanical Shaft Seals are made with proprietary elastomers and agents for protection and sealing power. GMB Shaft Seals utilize carbon and ceramic sealing surfaces for superior wear resistance.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
The shaft seal is crucial in preventing leakage from the coolant system and is the most common failure point on water pumps. Any debris or foreign contaminants (i.e. rust) in the cooling system will result in wear of the sealing surfaces, eventually leading to excess leakage. Excess leakage may also result in bearing failure due to flushing of the lubricating grease. By using high wear-resistant components, the seal can withstand extreme temperature ranges and prevent leakage for the life of the water pump.
Precision OEM-Spec Water Pump Housing
GMB Water Pump Housings are manufactured to match the exact OEM-spec materials (cast iron, aluminum, or stamped steel). Each housing is precision measured using state-of-the-art technology to be dimensionally correct up to a 99% accuracy with strict tolerance limits.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Using low-grade materials or inaccurate dimensions with loose tolerances can cause pump rupture, bearing failure, pump ceasing, compromised flow rates, coolant leakage, or inadequate performance. Poor gasket surface machining can also result in leakage across the mounting surface.
Precision-Formed Impeller
GMB Water Pump Impellers are manufactured to match the exact OEM-spec materials (metal or polymer composite) based specifically on the OEM design. Each impeller is also precision measured to be dimensionally correct up to a 99% accuracy with strict tolerance limits.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Using materials incompatible with the vehicle’s coolant system and inaccurate dimensions with loose tolerances can cause compromised flow rates at varying RPM ranges, inadequate coolant system pressure, overheating conditions, or pump cavitation. By matching OEM material and design, GMB pumps allow for the exact same cooling capacity as the OEM part.
Educate Your Customers About Preventative Maintenance!
Preventative maintenance is the key to maximizing the performance and durability of any water pump. Here’s a list of maintenance tips to share with your customers:
- Check coolant fluid levels with every oil change. Coolant should be changed approximately every 30,000 miles.
- Always use the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended coolant. Avoid off-brand coolants as they tend to have a lower level of ethylene glycol concentration and higher levels of acidity/alkalinity which drastically reduce the lifespan of a water pump.
- If not using a pre-mixed coolant, make sure to mix with distilled water rather than tap water. Tap water has small amounts of metals that can accelerate corrosion as it lacks lubricating, cleaning, and anti-rust properties, which can accelerate deterioration of the cooling system components.
- It’s recommended water pumps be replaced every 60,000 miles as a preventative maintenance item to ensure the engine’s cooling system is running adequately.
- When replacing the water pump, make sure to do a full coolant system flush to purge any residual contaminants and sediment deposits.
